Chapter <b>134 </b>


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    After Reba had reconciled with the Carter family, she gradually assimted into their ways, bing virtually indistinguishable from them in demeanor and action. During this time, Theodore reflected on the numerous ordeals he <b>had </b>endured recently, like being subjected to spitting and physical assaults – behaviors typically associated with the Carter <b>family</b>, which Reba had now adopted. Deep inside, Theodore harbored resentment. Despite his past missteps, he had repeatedly sought Reba’s forgiveness with genuine humility, fet, he couldn’t help but wonder, what more could Reba possibly want from him?


    The strain was evident on Theodore’s visage, his expression growing increasingly troubled as if a tempest was about to erupt around him. Stacey sensed the ominous shift in Theodore’s presence, her heartbeat quickening. She clenched her fists, her body tensing up as she prepared for <b>whatever </b>was toe.


    <b>In </b><b>a </b>moment of resolve, Theodore directed. “Send a copy of the Carter family’s invitation letter to the Edwards family!” His voice carried a deep, resonant tone. If Reba truly intended to reconcile, she would understand the significance of this gesture. In their <b>private </b>moments, anything was permissible, but publicly, he could not afford to be the subject of ridicule. Upon hearing this, Stacey turned and departed without a word.


    “Reba Theodore eximed in frustration, “What in the world do you want from me?”


    “We’re divorced, remember?” Stacey replied sinctly.


    Theodore’s response was tinged with sarcasm as he replied, “There’s a limit to your ying hard to get, Reba<b>. </b>Don’t overdo it.


    Asmile yed on Stacey’s lips as she queried, “ying hard to get?” She locked eyes with Theodore, her gaze piercing as she challenged, “Mr. Edwards, don’t you think you’re being overconfident?”Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    Their eyes met, and Theodore attempted to decipher Reba’s thoughts, but all he found was an unwavering resolve that he couldn’t prate. After a prolonged silence, he wearily conceded, “Reba, I’ll give you three more days. If you reconsider within that time, bring the invitation to the. You know how chaotic things are with the Edwards family right now, <b>and </b>remember, it was the Carter family who threw everything into disarray. Surely, any grievances from the past should be settled by now, right?”


    “I can’t waste any more time on this. I need to keep a close <b>watch </b>on the Edwards family, or Gifford might seize control of the Edwards Group at any moment,” he continued, venting his frustrations in one long outburst. Exhaustion was evident in his voice; he found the situation increasingly vexing and time–consuming. Looking at Reba earnestly, he added,


    Kardless, I am truly sorry for everything that happened before. I’ve apologized to you, Reba. Just remember, I’ll be waiting for you at home.”


    Stacey, hearing this, felt a bitter irony wash over her. She had waited for him countless times, only to be met with derision and ultimately, a divorce. “Don’t bother waiting. It’s <b>over </b>between us,” she stated tly before turning to leave. But the only thing she got was ridicule and humiliation. What she got was his divorce agreement. “Don’t wait. We <b>can’t </b>do it anymore.” Stacey Carter said directly and then turned around to leave.


    Theodore, desperate to say more, opened his mouth but ultimately restrained himself. As Stacey returned to her filmi set. she readjusted her focus to her work. Unnoticed by Theodore, Jenny approached him, her toneced with envy, “I really envy the attention you give her<b>.” </b>


    Theodore offered Jenny a rueful smile. “What are you doing here?”


    Jenny responded, “I’m concerned about you. Theodore, if she won’t forgive you, perhaps you should consider moving on with me. The Smith family’s resourcesbined with our capabilities could surely outmaneuver Gifford and restore your control over the Edwards <b>family</b>.”


    To this, Theodore merely shook his head, offering no reply.


    Meanwhile, at Mitchell Vi, Gary had been waiting expectantly for a response from Reba regarding the invitation, holding onto a 60% certainty that she wouldply and extend an invitation to the Mitchell family. But as dawn broke


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    without any news, there was <b>still </b>nomunication from her. Although Gary typically remained silent regarding family matters, it wasn’t <b>an </b>indication of hisck of intelligence. He generally abstained from involvement because his wife had already handled the necessary actions, negating any need for him to step into the role of the viin.


    Understanding the personalities of both <b>his </b>daughter J and wife Karen, Gary was well aware that it would be futile for them to request an invitation from Reba. Hence, he found himself in a position where he had to act directly. He had approached Reba with a gentle strategy, entreating her carneilly, yet his efforts had been unsessful. Since Reba had be affiliated with <b>the </b>Carter family, she seemed increasingly beyond his influence. Nevertheless, Gary was not one to rush; he picked up his phone and dialed his sister Cynthia.


    While Reba had be resistant to providing favors directly to them, Gary knew she would not decline a request from Cynthia. Reba and Cynthia shared a strong bond, forged over years of closeness since Cynthia had taken great care of Reba during her early childhood. Confident in this rtionship, Gary believed that if Cynthia made the request, Reba would surely grant the invitation.


    At Cynthia’s Boutique, Cynthia was absorbed in her work, sitting behind the counter while she sketched out new clothing designs on herputer. The sudden ring of her phone internipted her focus. ncing at the disy and recognizing Gary’s name, she hesitated, her <b>hand </b>pausing mid–reach. Over the past few years, Cynthia hade to a realization that had eased her mind significantly, allowing her thoughts to flow more freely. Almost instinctively understanding why her brother might be calling now, she opted not to engage and ignored <b>the </b>call. The phone continued to ring persistently beside her until it finally ceased.


    Back at Mitchell Vi, Gary felt a mixture of confusion and concern wash over him as the phone call went unanswered. What’s Cynthia up <b>to</b>? Why didn’t she answer the phone?‘ he pondered. Despite this setback, he didn’t relinquish his efforts: he dialed her number once more.


    As Cynthia’s phone rang again, she had just resumed her artistic endeavor, picking up a brush to add a few strokes to her drawing. The repeated disruption caused by the ringing phone began to grate on her nerves. Despite confirming it was Gary calling again, Cynthia decided to leave the phone undisturbed, choosing instead to continue her work.


    At that moment, Xavier emerged from the lounge, having heard the phone. “Cynthia, your <b>phone’s </b>ringing,” he noted.


    Cynthia nced <b>back </b>at <b>him </b>and shook her head slightly. Just ignore it.


    Xavier observed the caller ID, recognizing it was Gary. “Okay. The phone ceased ringing only to start again several times. “Is there something wrong with him?” Xavier inquired, a hint of concern in his voice.


    Cynthia simply nodded. “Yeah, but it’s none of our business.”


    “If your brother asks, just say your pone was broken identally I’ll get <b>you </b>a new one, Xavier suggested earnestly.


    Cynthia looked at her husband with <b>a </b>mixture of appreciation and relief. Smiling, she agreed, “Okay.”


    Xavier then affectionately kissed her on the cheek, his actions reflecting his deep affection for her.


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